The holiday season is upon us once again, and with it comes an extraordinarily large amount of Christmas stuff everywhere. Christmas recipes, Christmas decorations, you name it, and if it has the word Christmas in it, chances are it is somewhere in the nearby vicinity. With all of these Christmas things come many opportunities for people to not just fail, but fail hilariously at whichever festive activity they are partaking in. Let's have a look at some of these failures, and have a bit of a laugh with, instead of at, those who are responsible for them.
"Making Room For Dessert"
In the countries that celebrate Christmas, December is an, especially, festive time of the year. Even with his busy schedule, shopping malls still get Santa and his elves to pop by in order to meet the locals and have a few snapshots taken. Some cities have even gone as far as to create monuments to the man with "a belly like a bowl full of jelly"...
Whoever designed this giant intoxicated-looking Santa, that looks like he's 'emptying the tank', really should have put more thought into the placement of the slide.
"It's All The Buzz"
Every year, we spend an outrageous amount of time shopping for gifts for people that we're not even sure they'll like. To avoid seeing the look of disappointment on a loved one's face when they unwrap whatever it is that we've gotten them, try observing them throughout the year in order to pick up on hints as to what they might want.
This person had, once, mentioned something about bees. The next thing they knew, every one of the gifts that their parents got them had a very specific theme.
"Let's Make A Deal"
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, the retail world puts a tremendous amount of effort into "holidaying" the heck out of everything. They take things like a box of tissues, and transform them into a box "Holiday Tear Absorbers", while, at the same time, raising the price by a dollar and slapping a sale sign on the tag. If the labels are all printed properly, this plan sounds like a sure way to rake in the big bucks around the holidays...
The employee responsible for this catastrophe had one job to do which they, apparently, did very well - Satan's cookies sold out twice as fast as Santa's did last year.
"Sweaters That Match"
Some people have grown accustomed to receiving a holiday sweater every year from their Gam-Gam. In the past, she had been able to knit the sweater herself, however, her hands are no longer able to knit as much as they once did. This year, instead of making sweaters for everyone in the family, Gam-Gam decided to buy matching ones for herself and her grandchildren.
Sometimes, for her own good, it's best not to let Gam-Gam in on the secret. At the same time, once realizing the mistake, I'm sure she would have a good laugh at her own epense.
"Matching Sweaters"
Generations of people have been receiving ugly Christmas sweaters from their grandmothers, but not because grandma thinks the sweater is ugly. In fact, she usually looks at the sweater as nothing more than a warm article of clothing to help prevent her loved ones from catching a cold in the frigid winter weather. Fortunately, for this list, grandma's innocence prevented her from seeing the image on the sweater as it was intended to be seen.
This is what happens when a grandma is trying to do something cute and buy a matching sweater to the ones that she got for her grandchildren.
"It's The Thought That Counts"
Something that becomes quite clear as we grow up is that not everyone has the same budget as each other, and that has the potential to make family gift exchanges a little awkward. In order to keep everyone on level ground, sometimes, the best thing to do is to set a spending limit. Doing so would have, at least, saved these next siblings from joining our list.
It's not always the price of the gift that matters, but the amount of effort that went into procuring the present. And, frankly, buying a new phone doesn't take much effort.
"That One Job Didn't Go Very Well"
When the last pilgrim has been packed away, and the leftover pumpkin pies have all been bought on sale, it's time to start getting everything ready for Christmas. Generally, that begins with malls setting up basic decorations like lights and signs, but, eventually, evolves into a full-blown Christmas village being built, with Santa and snow included. In other words, there should be plenty of time to get the little things right before the big day comes...
Merry Asstmchri, and a happy new year to all. This is one of those displays that might have been better if it wasn't set up at all because, as it stands now, this is just embarrassing.
"Not Your Best Work"
Ready to be let in on a secret? For the most part, Christmas cookies are just regular cookies that are holiday-themed. One might ask, "So, then why do they taste better than other cookies?" For the answer, look no further than a sandwich that's been cut into triangles instead of rectangles - the shape is simply more appealing. We can eat shortbread cookies all year, but it's only for a few weeks that they'll be shaped like all of our favorite holiday things...
...As I said, ALL of our favorite holiday things - like cycloptic reindeer, or Gremlins that have been fed after midnight. When it comes down to it, cookies are still cookies, just don't look at them when eating them.
"Anyone Feel A Draft? "
Reindeer play such a large part in ensuring that Santa is able to visit all of the homes around the world that he's meant to visit, and they do this in just one night. For some reason, however, they still don't get the credit they deserve. Even when Christmas decorations are focused on Santa's adorable, apple-eating companions, the arctic deer are, usually, portrayed in a less than flattering light.
Sure, the idea behind reindeer singing Christmas carols is great but, without those antlers, these look less like reindeer, and more like a shot from behind of someone who forgot to wear pants to the Santa Clause parade.
"Well, That Is Unfortunate"
As important as holiday presents are for some people, others are, genuinely, more interested in the paper that has been used to wrap the gift. It sounds crazy, I know, but it's true. While the classic paper with holiday symbols on it is always a good choice, there's something extra special about unwrapping a gift that's been enveloped in memories from our past.
Due to some extremely unfortunate wrapping paper placement, this family has created a new Christmas memory, out of an old holiday classic, that they'll be talking about for years.
"Finishing What You've Started"
After the gift buying stage of the holiday season has been completed, it's time to move on to stage 2 - gift wrapping. The successful completion of this stage is dependant on a few simple things. First, there needs to be wrapping paper, and, secondly, tape. Of course, scissors would help quite a bit with the cutting of the paper, but it's not 100% necessary.
Although the person who wrapped this present has failed the section in stage 2, that's focused on spatial awareness, they did gain back some points for the creative effort they went to in order to complete the job.
"Everything Isn't Always As It Seems"
As great as the holiday season has the potential to be, for anyone who has a large family, or group of friends, that they need to buy gifts for, it's also the most expensive time of the year. Secret Santa gift exchanges are one way to cut back on the size of the hole that one's wallet will have by the end of the season.
As long as everyone's identities remain hidden, there's no reason why someone couldn't get away with giving a "quality" bottle of scotch to everyone on their secret Santa list - it sure is a Grinch move though.
"Thou Shall Not Pass"
Setting up one's lawn for the Christmas season can be a lot of work, but only if we don't enjoy doing it. So, why not throw ourselves in headfirst and go for it. When we do, it's easy to get carried away with decorating for Christmas, especially, when in the heat of the moment. However, during the day, it's tough to gauge the quality of the placement of the decorations because, after all, they are meant to be seen at night.
During the day, when they were setting up their decorations, these folks were probably a lot more positive about the placement of these giant toy soldiers than they were once they saw them at night.
"Better Late Than Never"
Part of the excitement of waking up on Christmas morning is the adrenaline rush that's felt when the stockings over the fireplace are given their inspections. No one wants to end up with a lump of coal in theirs but, at the same time, everyone is secretly hoping that someone else will feel the shame. Some people believe that their stocking is a mirror of how Santa views them...
...Other people believe socks should be used to keep feet warm. Whoever she is, Allison might be a late addition to the fireplace, but she's also the only person there who will be able to make practical use of the sock she's been given.
"Don't Have A Cow, Man"
The month of December is, understandably, the busiest month of the year for the United States Postal Service, and, as such, something is bound to go wrong with a few of its deliveries. When a gift that's been ordered for someone gets held up in the post office for undisclosed reasons, it's time to get creative with how to tell the gift's recipient that they're not getting a Christmas gift on Christmas day.
That darned USPS with nothing better to do with its time than to "presentnap" Christmas gifts and keep them as hostages until after the holiday season is over. There have even been stories about some presents that are never seen again...
"I Didn't Make That! It Fell Out Of Your Hair That Way! "
Christmas presents have been made out of, almost, every type of material over the years. To build action figures, companies have toyed with metals and plastics with varying bendable and twistable qualities. For clothing, everything from hemp to silk has been used. Recently, some people have turned the clock back a few centuries, to when people didn't have so many options, and had to make gifts using whatever they had at their disposal...
Dolls that have human hair, instead of fake hair, are already a little too weird for us, but, a doll made completely out of human hair, now, that's some voodoo s**t right there.
"Does This Have Anything To Do With The Life Insurance Policy You Had Me Take Out Last Year? "
In some families, buying prank gifts for one another is a tradition that goes back for generations. As the people who know our own families the best, we should have a pretty good idea of what they would consider funny, and what should be off-limits. However, this is, usually, someone in the family that has no limits, and that is why, when choosing what to buy for each other, there are a few ground rules that should be followed.
Judging by the look on his face, this guy is not impressed. As far as prank gifts are concerned, this is more like a message than a gift.
"It's A Good Thing They Got Him That Will Kit Last Year... "
As much as some people may not like to support big corporations, around the holidays, a trip to the local superstore is, almost, mandatory for many people because of the incredible range of products and lower prices that they offer. When visiting a superstore, we may not like the choice we're making, but when it comes to the holidays, savings are savings. One store, in particular, has even found a way to help customers save on their electric bills.
Instead of using the traditional Christmas lights that everyone is used to, the unfortunate placement of these items has insinuated an arson-themed way to keep the Christmas spirit ignited all season - one that we do not condone.
"That First Step's A Doozy"
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, it should be expected that someone in the family is going to go on a present hunt. They'll wait until they're home alone or everyone's asleep, and then, as silent as the night in popular Christmas song, they will snoop around the dwelling, checking every nook and cranny around the place, even if it means checking the creepy cellar and the cobweb-filled attic.
When scouring the place for presents, remember to be as discreet as possible. The good news is it's Christmas time, grab some mistletoe, cover the foot-shaped hole in the ceiling, and no one will know the difference...until after the holidays.
"What? "
Not knowing what their parents have gotten them for Christmas is enough to drive some children to the brink of insanity. In hopes of finding a few presents, it's only natural for the little ones to have a discreet snoop around - while their parents are out, of course, or, at least in the other room. Just make sure to put everything back so that no one finds out about the mission.
It didn't take much for Sugar Ray to convince Rocky to help search for the Christmas presents. Rowdy, however, was just an innocent bystander who did everything she could to stop the others, but to no avail.
"Nothing Beats The Real Thing"
Celebrating Christmas for the first time with his new family was an exciting experience for Alan. He had heard so much about the holiday and all the fun new things to play with that show up at home during that time. However, for all of the preparations he had undertaken, there was one thing that Martha had neglected to tell him - their family doesn't get a real tree.
As he's walking away, after the discovery of the faux tree, Alan's body language reeks of disappointment. Martha, on the other hand, seems quite proud of the part she's played in this debacle.
"Someone Lose Their Marbles? "
Creating Christmas ornaments at home is a wonderful way to save some money around the holidays. One hack, that's been all the craze, is making large ice marbles for the lawn. If made properly they should look pretty cool, and if the weather remains cold enough, they should last, at least, clear through to the new year. Just fill up some balloons with water and food coloring, place them in the freezer, then, when frozen, cut the balloons off...
Perfect! Isn't it great when things work out exactly how they should? What do we think went wrong here? Was it too much food colouring, or did they use the wrong balloons?
"A Long Time Ago... "
Along with the other gifts she brings, one grandma has made a holiday tradition out of giving her grandson a Christmas-themed puzzle every year. The puzzles are, usually, of Santa's elves getting themselves into mischief, or of them helping Mr. Clause in his workshop. This year, however, when out searching for the perfect puzzle, Gam-Gam, unexpectedly, stumbled upon a diamond in the rough.
This might have been a failure as far as Grandma getting an Elf puzzle is concerned, but when Christmas Yoda makes an appearance, everyone's a winner.
"Hooked On Phonics? You Should Be"
Prior to having a family of our own, the holidays season is traditionally spent having meals with our parents, but spending the rest of the time getting into all sorts of shenanigans with our friends. Once we have children of our own, however, they will, probably, provide all the crazy memories necessary to keep us smiling right through until the following Christmas, especially, once they learn how to write.
An adorable act, depicting the holiday spirit, has been rendered utterly hilarious, and perceptively criminal, thanks to one small grammatical error. Here's hoping that, later on in life, this evidence doesn't come back to be used against this kid.
"Welcome To The Jungle"
The time spent building a gingerbread house is always time well spent. All of the pieces come in a box that has an image of an already built house displayed on it. The only things that builders need to bring are creativity and appetites, for sweets and destruction, because, after those houses get built, they tend not to last very long. These delightful Christmas homes are, essentially, 3D puzzles that we get to eat after completing.
Some people, apparently, don't have the patience for building a house. Although, if the point is to eat gingerbread with icing and candy on it, this person just saved themselves an hour, or so, and jumped right to the best part.
"Feelin' A Little Grinchy"
For some reason, when it comes to the holidays, people all over the world tend to think that it's a good idea to dress their pets up in costumes, and they neglect the fact that these animals are living creatures and, perhaps, they don't want to be put into ridiculous outfits. When Baltar's people decided to go with a canine Santa for this year's Christmas party, it's safe to say he was not too pleased about their choice.
Baltar looks as though he's experiencing his very own "Nightmare Before Christmas", and, if his people don't get him out of that suit soon, they'll be experiencing night terrors of their own.
"Not To Be Taken Lightly"
Some of the things that people have done with Christmas lights over the years have been amazing enough to blow the minds of even the harshest critics. In order to make the season as special as possible, when setting up their homes, some holiday enthusiasts have gone as far as to use tens of thousands of lights, while other people have gone with a simpler plan in order to pay tribute to what means most to them.
Believe it, or not, this is, actually, an image of two soldiers. One is kneeling down next to the other, who is on all fours for the purpose of prayer, and nothing more.
"Different Isn't Always Bad"
Around the holidays, there are few things that people enjoy more than seeing their families, and receiving heartfelt cards from the ones they love. Sometimes, however, the messages that are intended to bring us joy, and make us feel wanted, don't come across that way. Although less is, usually, more when it comes to writing Christmas cards, the right amount is better.
I hope that next year their parents' love is different, in a stronger, less socially distanced way. Otherwise this kid might need a new house to go to for Christmas lunch.
"This Christmas Is Just For The Grown-Ups"
Living in a city that takes pride in its ability to deck the streets with holiday cheer is something that people should not take for granted. As corny as the traditions of the season might seem, when living in a place that doesn't do anything special during that time of year, it's hard not to miss the lights and sounds of Christmas, no matter how lame they are.
Mistletoe is meant to transform Christmas into a PG-13 event, but these lights have the ability to turn this festive day into a Rated-R affair.
"Am I Seeing Double? "
Making the decision of what to get someone for Christmas has never been more difficult than it is today. The safe bet is to get them something that we know they'd like. Maybe, something similar to something they already own? If the person's style is obvious, clothing is a good choice, because, well, most people wear clothing. Just take a look at what shirt the person is wearing in pictures you have of them, and match the gift to that. Problem solved.
Of all the clothing gift fails that one might experience, what could, possibly, be considered more of a fail than gifting someone the exact shirt that they're currently wearing?
"Nope, I Am"
An extremely wise man once asked, "Of all the clothing gift fails that one might experience, what could, possibly, be considered more of a fail than gifting someone the exact shirt that they're currently wearing?" Well, as unbelievable as it might have been to see that other man unwrap the same shirt he was wearing, this next man, actually, has him beat...
What's more of a fail? How about gifting someone an identical outfit to the one they're wearing? At least, he doesn't seem too upset about it and, besides, the shirt matches his complexion.
"It Looks EXACTLY Like The Picture"
Over the past few years, due to the inability to partake in the joyous act of in-store shopping, more people than ever before have turned to the gloriously convenient world of online shopping, however, for all of the upsides that online shopping has, there is one very large downside to it as well. Our next failure shows us what could happen when we don't shop in person.
Talk about a bad case of Christmas cat-fishing. What they ended up with was, definitely, a faux Christmas tree, but there is nothing prideful about it.
"Someone Is About To Lose Their Job"
From the time that Christmas ends each year, children who celebrate the holiday (and some who don't) begin the 365-day wait for the next time Santa will stop by. 364 days later, with the level of their anticipation reaching annual highs, boys and girls, the world over, are hoping that this will be the year that they, finally, catch a glimpse of jolly old Saint Nick on their rooftop.
It's expected that the retail industry will use merchandise to take advantage of shoppers during the holiday season. What's not expected is this sign that insinuates Santa has been the naughty one this year.
"Getting Ripped For Christmas"
The one gift that no one ever seems to mind getting is good old reliable cash money. When receiving presents, one, generally, knows when they're getting a monetary gift, because it will, usually, come in a card that is in an envelope, if not just an envelope on its own. With that in mind, it would only make sense for someone to treat every envelope, that's been received during Christmas, with extreme care.
And then we have people like this - who will be receiving a letter opener for Christmas next year, and a few hundred sealed envelopes to practice on the next.
"Samesies! "
There are certain aspects of the holiday season that are, significantly, more stressful than the rest - most notably, the cooking, decorating, and gift shopping. If wanting to do them properly, all three things should take a lot of effort but, of course, there will always be occasions, when the effort that someone goes to, in order to find the perfect for a loved one, will be overshadowed by a happy coincidence.
As far as unique gift-giving is concerned, sure, this could be considered a failure, however, in actuality, I would consider partners giving each other the same gift to be a massive relationship win.